World at their feet: Tracking our emerging stars

• ‍By the Numbers: Australian Gems U19 FIBA Women's World Cup player snapshot‍
• How Australian Emus under-19 men's players performed at the FIBA World Cup in Switzerland‍
• Dash Daniels: 'What I've learned from my brother'

Twenty of Australia's best and most elite men's and women's basketballers have followed their 2025 FIBA Under-19 World Cup campaigns into the US NCAA Division 1 season, the NBL and WNBL.

Multiple players started their college careers this year, known as freshman, while Gems star Sitaya Fagan (USC), Ruby Perkins (California Berkley), and Nash Walker (Marquette) all committed for the Class of 2026.

Dash Daniels, 17, opted to become and NBL Next Star at Melbourne United and is already a fixture in the Australian Boomers squad as it tries to qualify for the 2027 FIBA Men's World Cup in Qatar.

basketball.com.au continues tracked each player and their performances after their 2025 World Cup campaigns

2025 Australian Gems Tracker

Sienna Harvey — Washington Huskies (Freshman Guard, Geelong VIC)

Season Averages: 6.6 PPG │ 3.4 RPG │ 1.3 APG │ 38% FG

Australian freshman Sienna Harvey has made an early impact in Washington’s rotation, contributing energy, rebounding from the guard spot, and flashes of playmaking. She’s appeared in eight games with steady minutes, highlighted by double-digit scoring efforts against Seattle (15 points) and a productive all-around showing against UCSD (9 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists).

Harvey is at her best when she’s aggressive downhill. She’s shown an ability to rebound beyond her size (six boards in three games), push tempo, and defend without gambling. Shooting consistency is still developing (38% FG), but the volume and confidence are there.

Best Performances

• 15 pts | 6-10 FG vs Seattle (Nov 4)
• 9 pts | 5 reb | 5 ast vs UCSD (Nov 29)
• 9 pts | 6 reb vs Montana (Nov 11)
• 9 pts | 1 reb | 100% FT vs Fresno State (Nov 20)

Role & Impact

Harvey has carved out a meaningful role:

• Reliable secondary creator
• Tough rebounder for a guard
• Active defender (multiple 6-rebound games; low steals but good positional reads)
• Still building consistency with turnovers and shot selection

Bonnie Deas — Arkansas Razorbacks (Freshman Guard, Melbourne VIC)

Season Averages: 12.8 PPG │ 9.3 RPG │ 2.6 APG │ 34.6% FG

Freshman guard Bonnie Deas has been one of Arkansas’ most productive newcomers, delivering elite rebounding numbers for her position and consistent double-figure scoring. She’s already posted multiple double-doubles, flashing versatility as a scorer, facilitator, and high-motor rebounder.

Deas plays big for her size: she crashes the glass relentlessly (nine games with 5+ boards; three games with double-digit rebounds) and contributes across categories. Her efficiency is still stabilising (34.6% FG, streaky from three), but she gets to the line often and generates second chances through sheer activity.

Best Performances

• 25 pts | 5 reb | 3 ast | 4 threes vs Louisiana Tech (Nov 5)
• 18 pts | 12 reb | 7-9 FT | 2 stl vs Central Arkansas (Nov 11, OT)
• 15 pts | 15 reb | 3 ast vs Little Rock (Nov 21)
• 12 pts | 11 reb | 6 ast | 2 threes vs UAPB (Nov 8)

Role & Impact

• One of Arkansas’ most consistent high-usage players
• Outstanding guard rebounder (9.3 RPG — top 50 nationally)
• Playmaking flashes (6 assists vs UAPB; multiple 3-assist games)
• Defensive activity across steals/deflections
• Can elevate scoring quickly when her perimeter shot is falling

Deas has established herself as a key two-way piece with legitimate star-upside as a freshman.

Emilija Dakic — Florida Gators (Freshman Guard, Melbourne VIC)

Season Averages: 1.3 PPG │ 1.5 RPG │ 0.9 APG │ 25% FG

Freshman guard Emilija Dakic has played a depth role for Florida through the opening stretch of the season, contributing short, energetic stints across eight games. Her minutes have fluctuated, but she’s shown glimpses of confidence as a spot-up shooter and connector.

Dakic’s best outing came on the road at Navy (3 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist on perfect shooting), and she’s recorded at least one assist in five different games. Defensively, she’s active and reads the ball well, with two steals in the opener against UNF and steady positioning across the rotation.

Best Performances

• 4 pts | 1 reb | 1 ast | 1 stl vs Chattanooga (Nov 7)
• 3 pts | 4 reb | 1 ast @ Navy (Nov 17)
• 2 pts | 1 ast vs Jacksonville (Nov 11)

Role & Impact

• Reliable rotation guard making the most of limited minutes
• Connective passer who moves the ball quickly
• Comfortable shooting from three (has attempted in nearly every appearance)
• Steady defender who avoids mistakes, keeps possessions tidy

Dakic's role is small but consistent, and she has shown signs that her production will grow as she adjusts to SEC pace and physicality.

Monique Williams — Vanderbilt Commodores (Freshman Forward, Perth WA)

Season Averages: 0.5 PPG │ 0.8 RPG │ 0.0 APG │ 0% FG
Height: 6'3" │ Class: Freshman

Freshman forward Monique Williams has appeared in four early-season games for Vanderbilt, playing limited developmental minutes as she adjusts to the pace and physicality of college basketball. Her role so far has been brief frontcourt support, providing size, effort, and presence around the rim.

Williams scored her first collegiate points against Tennessee State on Nov 24, going 2-for-4 from the free-throw line. She has also grabbed rebounds in multiple appearances and contributed defensively with solid positional play.

Best Performances

• 2 pts | 5 min vs Tennessee State (Nov 24) — first scoring game
• 2 reb | 9 min vs Alabama State (Nov 22)
• 1 reb | 4 min @ Western Kentucky (Nov 20)

Role & Impact

• Developmental frontcourt piece in a deep rotation
• Uses length to rebound and contest without fouling
• Still finding offensive rhythm (0–4 FG across four games)

Manuala Puoch — Southside Melbourne Flyers (Forward, #32)

Season Averages: 1.4 PPG │ 0.4 RPG │ 0.2 APG │ 0.4 FT │ 0.4 TPG

Young forward Manuala Puoch is in her second WNBL season with the Southside Flyers and has appeared in five games so far in short, development-focused minutes. Her role has been limited, but she’s shown small flashes — particularly with effort plays and defensive activity. Puoch recorded her season-high 2 points twice (Oct 31 and Nov 22) and has shown willingness to attack the rim when opportunities arise. She also logged a steal on Nov 22, highlighting her defensive instincts.

Game-by-Game Highlights

• Nov 22 — 12:11 minutes, 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal, 100% FT
• Oct 31 — 3:00 minutes, 2 points, 1 FG made
• Nov 29 — 5:26 minutes, recorded 2 turnovers, no scoring
• Nov 9 — 1:08 minutes, 1 steal
• Oct 18 — 3:39 minutes, 1 turnover, no scoring

Role & Impact

• Developmental forward receiving spot minutes
• Works to impact the game with energy and defensive effort
• Limited shot attempts so far but has shown ability to finish when opportunities arise
• Learning pace and physicality at the WNBL level

Prasayus Notoa

Queenslander Prasayus Notoa has cut her list of US colleges to choose from down to UCLA, TCU and BYU. Notoa played a significant role in the Australian Gems run to a silver medal at the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup. She also won a silver with the Queensland U20 team and was part of the Logan Thunder's 2025 NBL1 championship.

Notoa is still deciding which college to attend as part of the Class of 2026.

Zara Russell — UC Capitals (Guard/Forward, #8)

Season Averages: 0.6 PPG │ 0.6 RPG │ 0.6 APG │ 0.2 SPG │ 0.8 TPG

Teenage prospect Zara Russell has appeared in five games for the UC Capitals, playing short developmental minutes as she began her WNBL journey, while deciding which US college to attend as part of the Class of 2026. Despite the limited court time, she has demonstrated activity on the defensive end, flashes of playmaking feel, and a willingness to shoot when open. Her standout WNB: game came on Nov 15, where she scored her first WNBL points (a made three), adding 2 assists in just 3:41 of action. She has also recorded steals in multiple games, showing good instincts and anticipation.

Best Performances

• Nov 29 — 0:48, 1 rebound
• Nov 22 — 5:08, 1 assist
• Nov 15 — 3:41, 3 points, 2 assists, 1-of-2 FG (1-of-2 from three)
• Nov 6 — 6:47, 1 rebound, 2 steals
• Oct 25 — 5:29, 1 rebound, 1 steal

Role & Impact

• Developmental wing with size and length at 185 cm
• Shows promising defensive instincts (multiple steals across games)
• Confident shooting stroke (first career bucket from three)

Monique Bobongie — UC Capitals (Guard, #9)

Season Averages: 2.25 PPG │ 0.75 RPG │ 0.50 APG │ 0.25 BPG │ 0.25 SPG │ 0.75 TPG

Young guard Monique Bobongie has featured in eight games for the UC Capitals, playing active bench minutes and showing clear flashes of energy, scoring touch, and defensive effort. She’s had several productive outings, highlighted by games of 5 points, 6 points, and multiple multi-rebound performances. Bobongie impacts the game with hustle: she attacks the glass for her size, defends with intent, and isn’t afraid to look for her shot. She has also shown rim protection instincts, recording blocks in multiple games.

Best Performances

• Nov 6 — 5 points, 1 rebound, 2 turnovers, 2-of-3 FG
• Oct 25 — 6 points, 1 assist, 1 steal, 3-of-5 FG
• Nov 22 — 2 points, 3 rebounds, 5 FGA
• Nov 29 — 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 block

Role & Impact

• Energetic guard who contributes scoring in bursts
• Good slasher and midrange attacker when confident
• Shows promise as a disruptive defender (multiple blocks/steals across games)
• Capable secondary rebounder from the backcourt

Sitaya Fagan — USC Trojans (1.94m Forward / Centre)

The most sought-after Australian college basketball prospect ever made her decision. Sitaya Fagan, a 17-year-old Victorian, officially committed to the University of Southern California (USC), choosing the Trojans over fellow powerhouse programs South Carolina and Texas. After receiving 27 NCAA Division 1 scholarship offers — a record for an Australian women's basketball player — Fagan cut her list down to three schools before settling on USC, telling basketball.com.au "USC just felt right".

"Getting it down to that final three [schools] was hard, but I sort of just had a feeling that USC was the one” Fagan said.

“I really enjoyed it there, but they were my first official visit, so it’s like ‘what if I enjoy all three’, which I did, but USC just felt right."

Fagan will join the Trojans as part of the Class of 2026.

Ruby Perkins — Sydney Flames (1.76m Guard)

Ruby Perkins is a development player for the Sydney Flames in the WNBL. She has committed to NCAA Division 1 powerhouse, University of California Berkeley as part of the Class of 2026. "I've always wanted to go over (to college),” she said. "Even just the facilities and the access that they get is so good. Watching it, where it's come over the past couple of years, it's an exciting time to be in this process.”

Madi Ryan

16-year-old Madi Ryan will represent Australia for a third time in 2025, capping a breakout year. Her next challenge in the Green and Gold comes this month when she’ll represent Australia at the 2025 FIBA Under-17 Oceania Championships. That tournament will mark her third time in an Australian squad this year, and her fifth since July last year.

Callie Hinder — Basketball Australian Centre of Excellence (1.96m Centre)

Callie Hinder is now at the Basketball Australia's Centre of Excellence in Canberra. She is a dual Australian and American citizen, who led her high school team PHH Prep to the 2025 CAA Arizona State Championship. “Callie Hinder brings legitimate size, shot-blocking capabilities, and a commanding interior presence,” COE women's program coach Mel Downer said. “She’s a natural rim protector and rebounder. Callie can impact the games at both ends of the floor with her defensive instincts and finishing ability around the basket.”

At 6’6, Hinder is already a familiar face in the Australian basketball landscape. Callie is the daughter of Russell Hinder, a former AIS Scholarship recipient and Boomers alumni. She featured in the Under-19 Gems silver medal campaign at the FIBA Women’s World Cup and elected to return home to develop at the CoE with a commitment to the University of Arizona in 2026.

2025 Australian Emus Tracker

Dash Daniels — Melbourne United (Next Stars, Guard, #4)

Season Averages: 5.7 PPG │ 2.9 RPG │ 1.2 APG │ 45% FG

Seventeen-year-old guard Dash Daniels has made an impressive start to his professional career with Melbourne United as part of the NBL’s Next Stars program. Showing poise and athleticism beyond his age, Daniels has quickly established himself as a regular rotation piece, contributing scoring, rebounding, and defensive activity across multiple roles.

He has produced several strong outings, including 9-point performances on both Nov 5 and Nov 3, and a well-rounded game on Nov 21 with 6 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal. His size, playmaking feel, and defensive versatility stand out, while his efficiency continues to stabilise as he adapts to NBL pace.

Daniels is already a role player with the Australian Boomers, competing at the 2025 FIBA Men's Asia Cup and the Group A FIBA World Cup qualifiers against New Zealand.

Best Performances

• 9 pts | 2 reb | 1 blk (66.7% FG) — Nov 5
• 9 pts | 1 reb | 1 blk | 1 TO — Nov 3
• 6 pts | 5 reb | 3 ast | 1 stl — Nov 21
• 5 pts | 5 reb | 2 stl | 1 TO — Oct 24
• 6 pts | 2 reb | 1 stl | 1 TO — Nov 15

Role & Impact

• High-upside guard with NBA-level athleticism and tools
• Thrives in transition; attacks the rim with confidence
• Active defender with instincts for steals and deflections
• Capable secondary playmaker who reads the floor well
• Rebounding from the guard spot is a genuine strength
• Already looks comfortable in a professional environment

Dash Daniels’ early signs suggest he will be one of the most-watched prospects in NBL26 — and a key storyline for scouts tracking Australia’s next wave of elite guards.

Jacob Furphy — UConn Huskies (Freshman Guard, Smithton TAS)

Season Averages: 2.0 PPG │ 0.0 RPG │ 0.0 APG │ 100% FG

Injury has crueled the start Freshman guard Jacob Furphy's college career. He has made one early-season appearance for UConn, playing six minutes in the win against Bryant. In that outing he scored his first collegiate basket, shot a 1-for-1 from the field, and added a steal, showing good activity in limited time.

Furphy displayed poise and energy, contributing across the box score with solid defensive positioning and clean minutes. While his sample size is still minimal, it’s a positive early sign as he works to break into one of the deepest rotations in the country.

Role & Impact

• Early rotational guard getting his first run in one of the nation’s elite programs
• Good size at 6'6" with defensive tools
• Showed readiness in debut with clean execution and a composed finish
• Expected to earn more opportunities as the season progresses

Luke Fennell — Syracuse Orange (Freshman Guard, Melbourne VIC)

Season Averages: 2.2 PPG │ 1.0 RPG │ 0.8 APG │ 30% FG

Freshman guard Luke Fennell has appeared in four games for Syracuse, delivering steady bench minutes and showing flashes of scoring feel, size, and playmaking. He’s displayed confidence shooting the ball, particularly from three, and has generated efficient contributions when aggressive.

His best outing came against Drexel (6 points on 1-of-3 FG and 3-of-3 FT), and he followed it with a composed performance against Iowa State, hitting a three and recording 2 assists. Fennell’s size on the perimeter stands out, and he’s been effective on the glass in spurts, grabbing 3 rebounds in the opener vs Binghamton.

Best performances

• Nov 16 vs Drexel — 6 points, 1 assist, perfect at the line (3-for-3)
• Nov 27 vs Iowa State — 3 points, 2 assists, 1 rebound
• Nov 4 vs Binghamton — 2 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal

Role & Impact

• Big guard at 6'6" providing length and versatility
• Confident spot-up shooter (2-of-5 from three across the sample)
• Moves the ball well and plays within the system

Roman Siulepa — Pittsburgh Panthers (Freshman Forward, Brisbane QLD)

Season Averages: 7.6 PPG │ 3.8 RPG │ 0.7 APG │ 45.2% FG

Freshman forward Roman Siulepa has been one of Pitt’s most impactful newcomers, earning consistent rotation minutes and delivering multiple strong offensive performances, including a breakout 20-point game against Quinnipiac. He brings size, physicality, and an attacking mindset, making him an early-season standout among Australian freshmen.

Siulepa’s season has featured efficient finishing, strong rebounding stretches, disruptive defense, and offensive versatility. He’s shown he can create mismatches with strength and burst, and he’s already trusted with major minutes — highlighted by a 37-minute workload in the Legends Classic.

Best Performances

• 20 pts | 8 reb | 4 stl | 1 blk vs Quinnipiac (Nov 24)
• 12 pts | 3 reb | 2 ast | 1 blk vs Longwood (Nov 8)
• 11 pts | 5 reb | 1 ast vs Eastern Michigan (Nov 11)
• 7 pts | 1 reb | 1 ast | 1 stl vs Bucknell (Nov 18)

Role & Impact

• One of Pitt’s key rotation forwards with starter-level minutes
• Physical, downhill scorer with good touch around the rim
• Rebounds in traffic and competes defensively
• Capable of handling a high-usage offensive role when needed
• Brings toughness, versatility, and two-way activity

Siulepa has quickly established himself as one of the most productive and promising Australian freshmen in the NCAA.

Emmett Adair — Loyola Maryland Greyhounds (Freshman Forward, Sydney NSW)

Season Averages: 14.0 PPG │ 5.3 RPG │ 2.0 APG │ 52.4% FG

Freshman forward Emmett Adair has made an immediate impact at Loyola Maryland, emerging as one of the most productive Australian freshmen in the country. He’s a high-usage, skilled frontcourt scorer with legitimate stretch-four range, physical rebounding, and strong playmaking instincts for his size.

Adair’s early season is highlighted by a massive 29-point, 7-rebound performance against Coppin State, showcasing inside-out scoring, confidence from three, and efficiency from the free-throw line. He has displayed versatility as a passer, averaging 2 assists per game, and has already logged multiple multi-three-point outings.

Best Performances

• 29 pts | 7 reb | 1 ast | 1 stl | 11-17 FG | 3-6 3PT vs Coppin State (Dec 1)
• 11 pts | 3 reb | 1 ast | 3-5 3PT @ Duquesne (Nov 20)
• 10 pts | 7 reb | 2 ast | 2-5 3PT vs WCMD (Nov 26)

Role & Impact

• Primary scoring option with inside/outside versatility
• Strong rebounder who plays through contact
• Stretch forward threat (8 threes made across 4 games)
• Useful secondary playmaker from the frontcourt
• Competes defensively with length and effort

Adair has positioned himself as a genuine breakout freshman and a central piece of Loyola Maryland’s offense.

Che Brogan — Adelaide 36ers (Development Player, Guard, #42)

Season Averages: 0.0 PPG │ 1.0 RPG │ 0.0 APG │ 0% FG

Teenage guard Che Brogan is in his first NBL season as a development player with the Adelaide 36ers, earning limited minutes early as he begins his professional pathway. Brogan has appeared in two games so far, using his short stints to defend, rebound, and make solid positional reads.

While he hasn’t recorded a point or field-goal attempt yet, Brogan has grabbed a rebound in both of his NBL appearances — showing activity, physicality, and comfort at the speed of the league.

Nash Walker

Tasmanian shooting guard Nash Walker has committed to Marquette University, joining the Golden Eagles' 2026 recruiting class. The 6-foot-6 left-hander  from the NBA Global Academy, and currently playing for Centre of Excellence in NBL1, is known for his perimeter shooting and bringing a deep international experience at the junior level. Walker's international career includes representing Australia in multiple FIBA tournaments, including at the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup, he averaged 8.3 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game, shooting 38.5% from three-point range.

Mading Kuany — Australian Youth National Team Forward

Mading Kuany has been a consistent member of Australia’s youth national team pathway, representing the Boomers at the U16 Asia Championship, U17 World Cup, and U19 World Cup across three consecutive years. He has shown steady development through the junior levels, moving from a role player at U16 to a productive scorer and rebounder at U17, before contributing in a limited role at U19 level. He is being scouted as a Class of 2026 college recruit.

Malual Goc — Sydney Kings (Guard, #20)

Season Averages: 1.0 PPG │ 0.5 RPG │ 0.0 APG │ 0% FG

Malual Goc has appeared in two games so far this season for the Kings, playing short developmental minutes and contributing with effort and activity. His scoring came on Nov 16, when he recorded 2 points at the free-throw line despite not attempting a field goal. Across both appearances, Goc has played under two minutes each time, offering defensive energy and rebounding presence in limited opportunities.

Jack Whitbourn (2.11m sophomore centre, Melbourne Victoria) 

Victorian big Jack Whitbourn transferred from UC Riverside to the Fordham Rams but is yet to play a game this season.

"Jack is an emerging 6'11" big man from Australia who has represented his country on numerous occasions," Fordham head coach Mike Magpayo said.  

"He has the skill, and most importantly the attitude that will thrive in our program. He was fantastic in his first year in our program and we believe he is just touching the surface of what he will become. Look out for a big year from Jack, as his elite work ethic gives him a chance to succeed immediately here in the A-10."

Centre Ajak Nyuon — Australian CoE and Youth National Team Forward/Centre

Ajak Nyuon is a developing 206 cm forward/centre progressing through Australia’s elite junior pathway, including the Centre of Excellence, the Australian U17, U18 and U19 national teams, and the Basketball Without Borders program. His length, mobility, and defensive presence have made him a consistent selection across multiple tournaments.

Across three consecutive FIBA events, Nyuon has grown into a dependable interior contributor — active on the glass, capable as a finisher, and showing flashes of playmaking as his role expanded at the U17 and U18 levels.

Alexander Dickeson (1.88m Guard)

Alex Dickeson was awarded Bob Staunton Scholarship for Centre of Excellence (CoE) athletes that exemplify the values of the Hall of Fame award's namesake.